2012 MLB Mock Draft: Highlighting Best Players in the First Round

While it’s a team sport, compared to football, basketball, hockey and soccer, baseball is extremely individualistic. Single players are given the opportunity to put the team on their backs more than in any other game. Here’s a 2012 first-round MLB Mock Draft highlighting the prospects with the ability to do just that in the big leagues.

1. Houston Astros: Byron Buxton (OF, HS)

Buxton has no glaring weakness in his game, but there are some glaring strengths.

According to Keith Law of ESPN, scouts are labeling Buxton as one of the fastest baseball players that they’ve ever seen. He’s also reportedly capable of throwing 98 mph on the mound. That freakish combination of range and arm strength provides him with the potential to be a legendary centerfielder.

At 6’4”, 195 pounds with a 99 mph fast ball, Appel definitely has the physical ability to become an ace in the majors. His overall skill set is off the chain as well. Appel’s only question mark is production that hasn’t equaled his talent level, but many analysts blame his troubles on the Cardinal coaching staff.

Appel is one of the few players in the draft that are talented enough to leapfrog Buxton and hear their name called first overall.

If there’s one pitcher in the draft that will be selected over Appel, Gausman is the most likely, if not the only candidate.

Like Appel, his fast ball reaches speeds up to 99 mph. He compliments that scorching speed with a make-you-whiff changup. And after replacing his curveball with a killer slider, he’s now almost guaranteed a spot in the top five.